Cam operated program timer assembly with replaceable leaf spring contact structure

ABSTRACT

A timer having switch means responsive to a cam programming means, the cam programming means being driven through a timer motor through a clutch operated drive means. The cam programming means and the switch means are disposed within a housing. Electrical terminals are mounted in the housing and extend through the housing and are unitarily constructed with the switch means. The motor electrical leads are connected to the switch means and the terminal means inside the housing through a quick disconnect means. The clutch drive means comprises a gear means having ratchet means adapted to engage corresponding ratchet means on the cam programming means.



1. In a timer having motor driven cam programming means: a. a cup shaped housing and a cover closing same, said cam programming means carried within said cup-shaped housing, b. slots provided across a cut-away portion of a wall of said cup-shaped housing, said cover including a projection adapted to mate said cut-away portion and close said slots. c. at least two one-piece combination plug-in electrical terminals and movable switch blades carried in said slots, the plug-in electrical terminal portion of said one-piece combination extending through at least a substantial portion of said wall in said slots, d. projections lanced from said one-piece combination adapted to be received in notches provided in said wall and opening to said slots, said notches having restraining walls transverse to the lengthwise direction of said one-piece combination preventing any substantial lengthwise slippage of said onepiece combination, e. said movable switch blades extending substantially lineally beyond the ends of said plug-in electrical terminal portions so as to be cantilevered through the cooperation of said plug-in electrical terminal portion and said wall, said movable switch blades responsive to said cam programming means, and f. cooperating electrical contacts carried at the free ends of said movable blades.
 2. In a timer according to claim 1, wherein said electrical terminals and said switch means are unitarily constructed.
 3. In a timer according to claim 2, wherein said terminals are crimped along their edges.
 4. In a timer according to claim 1, wherein said plug-in electrical terminal portion extends through said housing wall and terminates about at the inner face of said housing wall.
 5. In a timer according to claim 1, wherein said plug-in electrical terminals are crimped along their edges.
 6. In a timer according to claim 1 further including electrical leads connecting said motor to two of said electrical terminals.
 7. In a timer according to claim 6 wherein said electrical leads are electrically connected to said motor through quick disconnect means disposed within said housing.
 8. In a timer according to claim 1 further including clutch means to alternately engage and disengage said cam programming means from said motor.
 9. In a timer according to claim 8 wherein said clutch means includes spring biased gear means coupled to said motor and having ratchet teeth adapted to engage corresponding teeth carried by said cam programming means.
 10. In a timer according to claim 1 further including manual operating means coupled to said cam programming means. 